Letter to the Editor: Dog shooting inexcusable

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To the Editor:

A recent letter talked of a senior and innocent dog was shot on the shooter's property. What is wrong with people who reside in rural areas having no common sense or just plain asinine?

Again, it is mankind's responsibility to care for and protect their animals. This means not allowing them to run lose with the risk of them being hit by a car, shot, poisoned and left to defend for themselves. The woman who shot this dog should be ashamed of herself as well as the dog's owner who allowed her senior dog to run free.

Decades ago, it was considered the norm to allow dogs to roam free, especially in rural areas. There were fewer cars on the road, dogs were less often considered members of the family they are today. Many dogs lived on table scraps and slept outside. This being said, the life expectancy of dogs was much shorter back then and, sadly, there were many more unwanted and stray dogs that ended up being euthanized. These days most people consider their dogs as essential members of the family. While many dogs are roaming free in Grand County, it simply is not safe because of: automobiles, infectious disease, parasites, injury from/to or other animals, disturbing other people, lost or stolen, and legal consequences.

As much as your dog might love to run, you are doing the dog and your community a disservice by allowing this. Instead, get out there and exercise with your dog. Build a fence for your yard or bring your dog to a large enclosed field or meadow to play. I implore you to please be a responsible pet owner.